Gardena Mayme Dear Library
Library Hours
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday 12 pm - 8 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm - 8 pm
- Thursday 10 am - 6 pm
- Friday 10 am - 6 pm
- Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
- Sunday Closed
Library Photos
Get to Know This Library
About Gardena Mayme Dear Library
About Gardena Mayme Dear Library
- Library Size: 14,122 sq ft
- Space for Children
- Book Drop
- Space for Teens
- Meeting Rooms: Capacity 50
Our Collections
Our Collections
Online Collections — Available 24 hours
Special Collections
Our Services
Our Services
- Photocopier
- In-person and telephone research assistance
- MetroTAP Cards
Children's Services
- Early Learning and Engagement
- Self-serve Homework Center
- Online Homework Help
Teen Services
Our Computers
Our Computers
- Public Computers: 8
- Children's Computers: 1
- Laptop & Hotspot Kits: 8
- Express Computers: 8
- Homework Center Computers: 4
- Early Learning Computers: 2
Our Community
Friends of the Library
Gardena Valley Friends of the Mayme Dear Memorial Library. a volunteer-run organization that supports the library and library events
Gardena Valley Friends of the Mayme Dear Memorial Library. provides the following services to support the library.
- Friends of the Library Book Sale
Library History
Gardena Library was born under the sponsorship of the Wednesday Progressive Club before the Los Angeles County Free Library was founded in 1912.
In 1914, Gardena Library became a branch of the new County System. Only a few months later, the library was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles City Library Board due to annexation. It was not until August 1951 that Gardena Library came back to the County System.
The present building was dedicated on December 5, 1964 and re-named Gardena Mayme Dear Memorial Library on May 30, 1992 in honor of the late Mrs. Mayme Dear for her many years of dedicated volunteer services to the library.
The Gardena Mayme Dear Library features an enclosed Japanese Garden designed by Takuma P. Tono, professor of landscape design at Tokyo Agriculture University. The 150-year-old stone lantern in the garden was a gift of Gardena’s sister city, Ichikawa. A mosaic mural above the main entrance depicts the development of books and printing.
The library was closed for refurbishment in 2008 and reopened in January 2009 with a fresh contemporary interior and new furniture. The Teen Space was dedicated in February 2011.
Political Representatives
- U.S. Congressional District 43 — Maxine Waters
- CA State Assembly District 66 — Al Muratsuchi
- CA State Senate District 35 — Steven Bradford
- LA County Supervisory District 2 — Holly J. Mitchell
Local Links
- Daily Breeze: Online local and regional news articles and classifieds from the South Bay Daily Breeze, a local newspaper that serves the area.
- Gardena One-Stop Employment and Business Center: One of several South Bay career guidance centers that offers free job training, retraining/transition services for dislocated workers, assessment of transferable job skills, workshops to develop interview skills, and assistance in the preparation of a professional resume.
- El Camino College: Information on admissions, class schedules, community education programs, campus events, employment opportunities and more for this local community college in the South Bay area.
- City of Gardena: Information on the city including history, services, departments, elected officials, budget, city council, local news and weather.
- Los Angeles Unified School District: Includes information about the school district of interest to students, parents, and teachers. Includes the school district profile and list of schools for the local community.
- Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute: Serves the needs of the Japanese American community of the South Bay area through educational, cultural and social programs
Staff Picks (All Ages)
A monthly list of noteworthy titles selected by our Collection Development Services team.
Library Happenings November 2024
Check out what's happening at LA County Library this month. Read, celebrate, learn, enjoy!
LA County Library Celebrates Native American Heritage Month with Immersive Storytelling, Workshops, and Author Talks in November
LA County Library announces Native American Heritage Month events and activities.
Manhattan Beach Library Speaker Series to Launch with Renowned Alpinist, Photographer, & Author Cory Richards
LA County Library announces Cory Richards as the first speaker in the Manhattan Beach Library Speaker Series starting on November 16, 2024
Celebrity Chef & Author Edward Lee Joins LA County Library for an Exclusive Conversation on Food, Culture, and Identity
LA County Library announces Trailblazer event with celebrity chef and author Edward Lee.
